RNC pays some Palin legal bills in exchange for help

The Washington Times ^ | September 22, 2010 | Ralph Z. Hallow

[publius1]

The Republican National Committee is paying off some of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's sizable legal fees dating back to the 2008 presidential campaign in exchange for her help raising money for the financially strapped RNC during the campaign season, The Washington Times has learned.

The Times obtained a copy of a check for $128,518.85 that was made out to Anchorage law firm Clapp, Peterson, Van Flein, Tiemessen & Thorsness, which Mrs. Palin hired after a string of ethics charges were lodged against her when she was Alaska's governor and the GOP's nominee for vice president.

RNC Treasurer Randy Pullen, who co-signed the check with RNC Chief Administrative Officer Boyd Rutherford, said Mr. Rutherford told him the check was in exchange for Mrs. Palin's help with RNC Chairman Michael S. Steele to raise money for midterm election campaigns....

Mrs. Palin reportedly amassed more than $600,000 in legal bills. An aide to Mrs. Palin did not respond to an e-mail query seeking comment.

Mr. Steele's immediate predecessor, Robert M. "Mike" Duncan, who was RNC chairman in 2008, said there was no authorization to pay Mrs. Palin's legal bills while he was chairman. He said the process when he ran the party required approval for such payments from the RNC's chief counsel, chief of staff and chief financial officer, with the party chairman and general counsel brought in if necessary....

[publius1]

Not getting this -- it's a big deal because -- why??? The story goes on and on. She ran up a lot of legal bills she would not have had except for the D attacks on her during the campaign.

Didn't Clinton get $9 million or so in legal bills forgiven?

[major-pelham]

It’s not a big deal.

[BelegStrongbow]

I suspect it’s a big deal because the RNC might well be starving for funds and needs a new, trusted spokesperson. I got a form letter with Sarah’s name prominent on the front. I opened it somewhat eagerly and then tore it up. It was the usual plea for cash from the RNC, which I figure will be put to the use of RINOs rather than principled conservatives. I have refused to give a nickel to the RNC for several years now, after more than a decade of continual support. Until the Cocktail Party apparatchiks are deposed, I’m not supporting the RNC.

I don’t think I’m alone in that.

[raybbr]

Not getting this -- it's a big deal because -- why???

So much for Palin's independence from the GOP. Hasn't that been the rallying cry in support of her. "She's an outsider." "Has no ties to the GOP." "She can't be bought." etc.

[Diogenesis]

Follow the dots....

Romney .... Duncan.
Romney .... Rove
Rove .... Duncan

[Piers-the-Ploughman]

i dont understand. Palin can generate her own funds. Why make this more complicated than it needs to be? Maybe just a way to get Palin and RNC to work together?

[coaltrain]

It’s kind of hard to have no ties to the GOP when you were their VP candidate. They should be paying her legal bills since her run for VP is what caused most of these lawsuits. Who cares who she campaigns for, unless someone is not smart enough to make their own decisions, then I can see why you may be concerned.

[9YearLurker]

It makes sense that they’d really want her help—and that she wouldn’t want to be total enemies with them. Having them pay may feel like vindication for her that they really should have been responsible for the bills generated from her accepting the position on their ticket.

[stevem]

A. It's only a big deal for someone grabbing at straws.

B. It says right here that $128,518.85 or $600,000.00 might just be chicken feed for Sarah Palin these days. The real story of injustice was that she had to spend it at all.

C. If Steele is asking Palin for help, maybe he has developed just a tinge of conservative religious fervor of late. It's nice when, from time to time, the puppet masters see whence comes the butter and on what side of the bread it belongs.

[LibLieSlayer]

Pucker up rnc... you got some serious butt kissin’ to do!

LLS

[LibLieSlayer]

mccain caused it and the rnc owes it... period. Palin has plans for the rnc... NEW plans... new rnc... wait and see.

LLS

[radioone]

The RNC needs some major house cleaning...find the traitor that made a copy of a check and gave it to the media. I sure wouldn’t like my checking account made public....

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

((((PING))))

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Yeah, the RNC finally figured out that it needs Palin more than Palin needs it.

[hoosiermama]

IMO Her comment about working together for the election says alot. Work like the dickens to get conservative candidates nominated during the primary...BUT everyone stick together for the election....

Changing the party from within.

[Grn_Lantern]

That fact that this occurred suggests that, perhaps, she can’t “generate her own funds”...at least not in those numbers

[Gargantua]

She has ALWAYS been a staunch Republican. She has also had Republicans thrown in jail for corruption.

There is a big difference between being supportive of the GOP's platform and more noble goals, and being "bought."

It's all about integrity... just like Sarah. If you can't see that, you're a drooling imbecile with a girdle and high heels. N'kay?

;-/

[chainsaw]

I don’t think I’m alone in that.

Your not!

[Neverforget01]

One question, who is paying Obama's legal fees to seal all his records?

The efforts to seal his birth certificate alone must be astronomical.

I think there is a huge story there that will make $128K look silly.

Republicans are funny: vet the heck out of Christine O'Donnell, but not her opponent. Republicans have no idea about Obama's grades, writings, or self admitted drug use, but are beating themselves over "crazy" tea party candidate's high school activities. Once again, Republicans are in defense mode. It happens every time.

[2001convSVT]

You are not alone, I am doing the same. I have been sending my donations directly to Conservative candidates.